How to Paint a Wall With High Gloss

Sand the wall to remove the glossy finish. Glossy sheens are made to protect the wall from marks, stains and moisture, so they tend to keep new paint coats from adhering properly. Use an 800-grit sandpaper to remove the gloss. The grit will be rough enough to take away the gloss without leaving scratches or sanding too deep. Look for stains or surface scratches on the wall and sand them away so they don't appear through the new finish.

Repair any deeply damaged areas on the wall with drywall spackle. Scoop up the spackle with the spreader and use it to fill in damaged areas on the wall. Paint spreads more evenly over a smooth surface, so fix any divots, holes, deep scratches or small dents in the wall, else they will appear through your new paint coat, no matter what sheen or color you choose.

Wipe the wall clean with a damp cloth to remove sanding dirt and dust. Dust particles can get stuck in the new finish and keep paint from adhering correctly. Wait for the wall to dry before continuing.

Seal the wall with a primer to protect it from moisture and to give it an even, smooth surface. Primer also covers the previous paint color so it doesn't show through the new paint. Let the primer dry four to six hours before continuing. Consult the can for exact drying times.

Dip the paint roller into the paint color you chose and apply it to the wall in an up-and-down fashion, working one section at a time. Your movements should resemble the shape of a "W." Avoid drips by not overloading the roller. So color goes on evenly, keep a wet edge by rolling paint over the edge of previous brush strokes. Use high-quality paints since they have a thicker consistency, saving you time in multiple applications. Wait for the first coat to dry and apply a second coat, if necessary.